Fired Devils exec Conte speaks up about possible clash with GM Shero
When former Devils director of scouting David Conte was fired earlier this month after 31 seasons with the team, many might have wondered whether the move was a result of a clash between Conte and new general manager Ray Shero.
But Conte denied having any hard feelings toward the organization when he spoke recently with NJ.com.
"It is what it is. I was terminated, that's all there is to it," Conte said to NJ.com. "No use in deviating from the truth or trying to make complicated explanations for it. It was their prerogative and they exercised it. I respect it. They're doing what they were supposed to do and that's operating in the best interest of the franchise."
It doesn't all sound friendly, however. The 66-year-old Conte has a long history with current Devils president and former GM Lou Lamoriello, but Conte made it clear that the same relationship did not exist between Shero and him during their brief time working together.
"Obviously the loyalty I had for Lou is not reciprocal from the new person. I guess I can understand that," Conte told NJ.com. "I don't feel acrimonious. I worry about the people who worked around me."
The outlet reported that Conte did not seem bitter over the move, but Conte's statements hinted toward disagreements between Shero and him over potential prospects and draft choices. Still, Conte insisted any disagreements did not seem out of the norm.
"No, I don't think so," Conte told NJ.com when asked if there was a clash between the two. "Nothing more than I would've had with Lou, whether we should trade this pick or not trade it. That's not a clash. That's just a disagreement."
Now that Conte no longer works for the Devils, he told NJ.com that he would like keep working in some capacity, but he has not decided which direction to take just yet.
(h/t NJ.com)
Photo credit: Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images
